Party Profile: Lindsay, Kentucky
by Jennie Camp Hudgins
Occasionally, the world is blessed with a child who exhibits the traits of, what some may refer to as, “an old soul.” You know what I mean, I’m sure. A child with the heart and soul of a much older, wiser person. There’s a little girl in Kentucky, named Lindsay, who is just that kind of child. And, I must say, Elizabeth and I were nearly speechless when we heard this 9 year-old’s story.
Linsay is the granddaughter of an ovarian cancer survivor. She and her “Grammy” are very close. When her grandmother, Ramona, was diagnosed, Lindsay was deeply affected. But, this child - in the midst of her own pain - began to come up with a plan to help others with cancer. Her grandmother’s positive attitude, in response to this devastating diagnosis, was a model for Lindsay. So, Lindsay decided that she, too, would respond to the devastating news with something positive. She wanted to raise money for cancer research. At first, her idea was to embark on a door-to-door sale of lemonade. As most mothers would these days, Lindsay’s mother, Lori, had reservations about this idea and began to search the internet for other options. In the meantime, on behalf of Blue Hydrangea Tea Party, Elizabeth contacted an organization in Kentucky, Ovarian Cancer Awareness of Kentucky (O.A.K.), with information about our tea party events. They were kind enough to put our information on their website. So, as Lori and Lindsay searched the internet, they learned of our Blue Hydrangea Tea Party concept at the O.A.K. site! Lori said, “We decided that the perfect thing would be to host a tea to increase awareness for ovarian cancer.” Lindsay’s Godmother, Barbara, helped in the planning of this Blue Hydrangea Tea Party event by securing the Whitehall Historic Home in Louisville. Lori said, “It was a perfectly elegant setting for our formal English tea.” And, Lindsay created a very special poster about Blue Hydrangea Tea Party! There were lots of smiles that day, as these ladies found joy in this celebration. It truly wasn’t far off Lindsay’s original idea of selling lemonade – she still managed to make something sweet out of a very sour, unpleasant experience in her young life. What a special day this must have been! Lindsay and her mom were very grateful for the support of their friends and neighbors. Together they raised $2,900 for O.A.K. Lori wrote to Elizabeth, “We have put our hearts into this cause and this tea party.”
Indeed, they did, and it was a beautiful event judging from the photos Lori shared with us. Lori reports that her mother, Ramona, is doing well these days. “She continues to be strong and is truly an inspiration,” says Lori. I asked her how this has affected the way she looks at her own health, having her mother diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Lori says that she has been vigilant, watching for any signs of this cancer in herself, and she encourages other women to do the same. She is a vocal advocate for awareness and volunteers for the cause. She tells me that she has offered to share their Blue Hydrangea Tea Party experience with other ladies in their area, who might wish to participate. She says, “We speak of the Blue Hydrangea Tea Party event very often, as it holds a treasured spot in our lives. I urge others to participate in these parties.”
Lindsay is now a year older and no doubt even wiser! And, there is definitely no doubt that she is happy that her “Grammy” is doing so well these days. Elizabeth and I wish Lindsay; her mother, Lori; her grandmother, Ramona; and her Godmother, Barbara, our very best wishes. We are grateful to you for sharing your story with us and for bringing other women into the circle of awareness with your lovely tea party.
